Friday, July 30, 2010

Santiago Calatrava's graceful designs first caught my eye in architecture school, and he quickly became a favorite of mine. So naturally, I was very excited to see the unveiling of his new plans for the south terminal expansion and added rail component of DIA. I am undeniably thrilled about the concept of connecting the airport to downtown Denver with public transportation, and a hotel at DIA is long overdue, so altogether, this seemed like a win-win proposition.

Watching the sexy video, I found myself making yummy noises at the experience conveyed of the drive under the proposed graceful train bridge upon approach to the terminals. But then, much to my own surprise, my heart sank a bit as I realized that DIA's very recognizable existing structure -- line of iconic tent peaks -- was hidden completely behind the mass and placement of the new building set to the south.

I'm not sure to what extent the program, which includes the rail station, retail and hotel, could have been either lowered, or perhaps narrowed and made more vertical -- a single graceful tower perhaps in juxtaposition to the tent forms? I can imagine several alternatives which might have more believably complemented the existing architectural peaks which have become so iconic for Denver. It is, granted, a significant challenge given that the existing forms can be powerfully read as both references to our land's tribal histories and our grand mountains.

This building, which on it's own provides an interesting reference to a wingspan of an airplane itself (which is a bit ironic to me, as it is the rail and hotel component and not, in fact, the airport), has certain grace and the forms themselves seem well suited to airport design, but it does not read, to me at least, as the complement to the existing airport that it claims to be. Instead it seems to stand in stark competition with what was already a beautiful and strong iconic structure.

I am not surprised that the (local, Denver) architect of the original structure, Fentress Architects does not have a public comment as of yet. And I can't help but wonder what they would have drawn....

To see the video larger, and for more information visit this article on the unveiling at the Denver Post.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Found this adorable little book the other day while shopping for Gabe's birthday, and I can't wait to find it again! Full of quick moments of inspiration, vignette sketches of architecture theory and a great book design + binding to boot!

In the tradition of Francis Ching books (Form Space + Order) (the old edition, of course - why did they have to type set that book anyway when it was so perfect with Ching's handwriting?!), this little gem is boiled down to bare essentials. Would be a fun book to keep next to an architect's desk (or any designer's for that matter) for a quick flip to find a thought of inspiration during a challenging design question.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Found this old ink drawing of my vision of Detroit with two new mid-rise structures. The two twin buildings with retractable sun screens over the roof gardens (right foreground). Funny that I thought shade was important when there is so little sun to start with. Hope to someday witness a thriving Detroit.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Damn! Stumbled upon another book that I wish I had photographed first:

I have only been close enough to one active volcano, Arenal in Costa Rica, to experience her stunning power. I felt as if I was witnessing the breath of our planet. Crazy concept to listen to the earth breathing! I was speechless for days, watching in awe the cycle of life on a geologic scale, hearing the pulse of ejecting lava, feeling the crumbling of rock under pressure... Feminine, Powerful, Beautiful.

Someday, I will complete my coffee table photography book celebrating the richness, incredible beauty and inspiration to be found in the presence of a volcano. Until then, photos I took back then serve to remind me of travels I have been fortunate enough to experience, and inspire me to keep working towards shooting more volcanos!